Phosphoric Acid & Methylcyclohexanol Cause Memphis Explosion

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The Memphis Fire Department responded to a report of an explosion at 737 Union Avenue, Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 12:10 p.m. Upon arrival on the scene at 12:14 p.m., firefighters immediately isolated the area and assisted with the evacuation procedures.

Thirty (30) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and approximately fifty-eight (58) emergency response personnel ultimately responded to the call. Battalion Chief B. Prye was the commanding officer of this incident. It was reported that two chemicals were being heated in a small container when the explosion occurred. This incident occurred in the Chemistry Lab of Building M. The products have been identified as Phosphoric Acid and Methylcyclohexanol. The incident was stabilized at 2:42 p.m.

Three (3) civilians were transported in non critical condition to the Regional Medical Center. A seventy-five (75) year old male sustained minor burns and abrasions to his face, arms and chest. A twenty-one (21) year old female sustained minor burns and abrasions to her arms and a nineteen (19) year old female was transported for anxiety. There were no firefighter injuries. Total damage estimates are unknown at this time.

The Memphis Fire Department urges all citizens to maintain a working smoke detector in their place of residence. Any City of Memphis resident can apply for a free smoke detector by contacting the Fire Museum of Memphis at (901) 320-5650. Always have a plan of escape in case there is a fire. Also remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. For all other FIRE/EMS NON-EMERGENCY issues please dial (901) 458-8281.



Author:Memphis Fire Department Press Release